Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sakubaruiwa is almost an extension of Aka Island.
The Sakubaru Rocks vary in size considerably. The smaller ones are approximately 165
feet (50 meters) across, the larger up to 660 feet (200 meters) in dimension. An excellent view
of them can be had from the Amagusuku Observatory (
天城展望台
; Amagusuku tenbō-dai)
or from the Aka Bridge (
阿嘉大橋
; Aka ōhashi; lit. “Aka Great Bridge”).
9
GERUMAJIMA
慶留間島
Gerumajima (
慶留間島
; Geruma-jima) is the fourth inhabited island in the Keramashotō. It's
directly south of Akajima and separated from it by only about 985 feet (300 meters). This gap
was bridged in 1998 so that it's now possible to drive to Geruma from Aka on the “Aka Great
Bridge.” Formerly, a small ferry shuttled passengers and vehicles across for a modest fee.
Geruma Island is a most uniform square, about three-quarters of a mile (1 kilometer) in
length or width. Its area, therefore, is just about three-quarters of a mile (1 kilometer) or 1.15
square kilometers to be exact. It has an almost 3-mile (5-kilometer) circumference and it is
tall, its highest point being 515 feet (157 meters). The island has about 75 residents, almost all
of whom live in the one tiny village and port at the very bottom (southern end) of the island,
Geruma (
慶留 間港
; Geruma-kō). here are two
minshuku
inns in the village.
If you're looking for a peaceful place to visit, Geruma is an excellent choice. In addition
to the friendly
minshuku
, there is a good restaurant in town. If you like to hike, Geruma has
one of the most interesting trails in these islands. It starts just north of the village as a small
paved road off the main road, to the left. From there, it ascends rapidly. It's a good hike. After
about three-quarters of a mile (1 kilometer) of twists and turns, more or less straight up, the
pavement ends and a hiking trail begins. This quickly leads to a small Shinto shrine. From
the shrine the path continues all the way around the northern end of the island, all along its
highest bluffs. The view of Aka, Zamami and Tokashiki is magnificent, the best you'll find.
The Aka Great Bridge linking Aka and Geruma.
